Asked after Tuesday's lopsided loss at Michigan State what was wrong with his star freshman forward, Beilein sidestepped the question.

"All our guys need to get back to some basics and really not worry about the next opponent, but improve their own game both offensively and defensively," Beilein said. "He's not alone."

Beilein's probably right, Robinson isn't the only player on Michigan's roster that's gone through a few rough patches this season.

Not even close, actually.

But the thing that sets Robinson apart from basically everyone else is the fact his skid has been more consistent of late. And, according to the numbers, when he's off, Michigan's off.

The raw basics of his recent dip are obvious. In his last five games, Robinson averaged 6.2 points and 3.0 rebounds at the power forward position. He shot just 41.9 percent overall, 28.6 percent from long range and attempted only seven free throws.

His production at the four-spot during that time is substantially less than Michigan's primary power forward a year ago, 6-foot-4 Zack Novak, who averaged 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds despite playing against a bigger opponent basically every night.

During Robinson's skid, Michigan is being outscored 66.2-68.2 -- and the Wolverines are 2-3. Although those five games coincide with the Wolverines' most difficult stretch of the season, they've clearly suffered from Robinson's tapering production.

Go deeper, and you'll see how much value a healthy Robinson brings to Michigan, and how much pain a struggling Robinson causes.

When the 6-foot-6 freshman scores at least 10 points, Michigan's 15-0 with an average margin of 17.9 points per game. When he shoots worse than 40 percent, the team is 5-4, averaging 68.7 points per game -- eight fewer than its season average of 76 per contest.

If Robinson's being aggressive with his shot and getting to the foul line, Michigan's success rate rises. In games he's gotten to the line at least three times, the team is 12-0. When he's made at least one 3-point shot, the Wolverines are 11-1. In games where he's made at least four field goals, the team is 12-0.

There's also a rebounding factor here. Michigan's 5-4 when Robinson has fewer than five rebounds -- but 16-0 when he grabs at least five.

There's a reason why he's started all 25 games this season. When he's locked in, he's a difference-maker.

When he's not? He also makes a difference, but not in the way the Wolverines want.